The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a voluntary non-profit membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving. The association is incorporated in New York and follows the by-laws contained in the USPA Governance Manual. USPA’s mission is three-fold: - to promote safe skydiving through training, licensing and instructor qualification programs - to ensure skydiving’s rightful place on airports and in the airspace system - to promote competition and record-setting programs USPA wouldn’t be possible without its 40,000-plus members who support the organization. These members, along with first-time jump students, make roughly 3.2 million jumps per year at more than 220 USPA-affiliated drop zones nationwide. More members mean a bigger voice when dealing with issues that have threatened the existence of skydiving. It also helps to ensure the longevity of skydiving for people to enjoy for years to come. USPA partners with affiliated schools, clubs and centers—Group Member drop zones—that pledge to follow USPA's Basic Safety Requirements. These skydiving schools offer USPA-developed first-jump training methods, use only current USPA-rated skydiving instructors and provide USPA-required safety equipment. USPA began in 1946 in Mineola, New York, as the National Parachute Jumpers-Riggers, Incorporated, representing an estimated 100 members. It was renamed the Parachute Club of America in 1957 and renamed itself again to the United States Parachute Association in 1967. In July 2016, USPA celebrates in 70th anniversary. In May 2006, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, USPA moved into its new headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where it continues to reside.